Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Big Sky is Recruiting Idaho

The Big SkyConference has expanded from 9 members to 11 members (for basketball; there will be 13 football members), but they would like to add the Idaho Vandals, according to the Idaho Statesman.

As Idaho considers the future of its athletic department, Big Sky Conference Commissioner Doug Fullerton is convinced his league offers the Vandals their best path forward.

“I think I could sit at a debate table and be able to convince an awful lot of people that the Big Sky will be the best option,” Fullerton said Monday morning.

Frankly, it seems to make sense for both parties. It would be nice to get to an even number for the Big Sky, adding a solid program in Idaho. For the Vandals, they would maintain regional rivalries, and the Big Sky would seem to be of a similar quality to their program.

Nah, I'll pass on BSU. Fullerton already said that Boise State won't provide any stability, as they'll leave at the first opportunity. Besides, their budget is probably 3 or 4 times the size of most Big Sky schools, and they would have the added benefit of being more visible with the football program.

I think it's a 50/50 chance Idaho returns (and maybe better odds as a non-football playing member), but a near 0% chance that Boise St returns. Their budget alone gives all of their sports teams an unfair advantage. Even if they would want to return (which they don't) the conference would not agree to it.

Yep, I agree that there is little chance that Boise State would return. That would be beyond a shocker... for Idaho, I think it depends on the WAC. If a couple of the teams band together and keep it, they could stay obviously. If that doesn't happen, it seems to me like the Big Sky would be their best option...

Where is Boise State going to end up? The MWC said no since they left for football, the PAC 12 won't take them, the West Coast Conference said no (mainly a private school conference). BSU is greedy, I hope that going to the Big East to play football backfires on them. Perhaps they could move the university out of Idaho and to the Eastern United States. Boise State of Boston, Massachusetts.

BSU was 13-17 in men's basketball, 15-16 in women's basketball, they have the worst women's golf program in the MWC, 34-17 in women's softball (but not a Big Sky sport). Good in tennis. In reality, their athletic program beyond football is pretty mediocre. I don't think that they would dominate the Big Sky in any non-football sport but I agree that they think they are too good for the BSC.

Twitter

About Me

I am a University of North Dakota alum, Denver resident, and college basketball lover. Email me at bigskybball@gmail.com for links, comments, tips, advertising, etc

For the end of the 2015-16 season, Kyle Franko will be taking over the site. He is a former Idaho State beat writer that loves the Big Sky! Email him with any questions, tips, or comments at kyle.franko3@gmail.com